FARMINGTON, Conn. – A sleeping mat that creates a natural energy field, and its potential for treating or preventing osteoporosis, is the subject of a clinical trial at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

The Health-MatTM is made of hundreds of interspersed layers of aluminum and polyester. The mat itself is as thin as a light blanket and is used directly under the bottom sheet. The clinical trial will determine whether sleeping on the mat, causing the layers to move against each other creating a natural energy field, will enhance intercellular activity and help prevent or treat osteoporosis.

The mat will be tested by 70 postmenopausal women under the direction of principal investigator Karen Prestwood, M.D., assistant professor at the Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut Health Center. The six-month randomized study will examine the effect of the mat on bone breakdown and formation, mineral density, and calcium metabolism.

Study participants will sleep on either the Health-MatTM or a placebo mat each night for six months. Blood samples will be taken to test for biochemical markers of bone turnover at the beginning of the study and then at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. In addition, the study will evaluate the effect of the mat on immune function by measuring various factors in blood three times during the study.

Marian Kohut, Ph.D., immune system principal investigator and assistant professor at Iowa State University in Ames will evaluate these samples.

The mat was developed by John C. Ledbetter, president, CEO and chief scientist of the Nyvatex Oil Corporation in Billings, Montana. Nyvatex specializes in geophysical phenomena to detect new deposits of oil and natural gas. Ledbetter, a physicist, said the mat was developed as a coincidental derivative of the company’s basic geophysical research.

"Anecdotal evidence shows the Health-MatTM is useful in treating osteoporosis and improving the immune system," said Lebetter, "but it’s time to find out with objective scientific evidence whether something is really going on here."

"The study will provide important information regarding the effect of an alternative approach on bone in postmenopausal women. If the study is positive, it will suggest a novel therapy for osteoporosis," said Dr. Prestwood.

To participate, women must be 60 years of age or more and not being treated for osteoporosis, but may be taking calcium. For more information, call the UConn Health Center at 860-679-3043.

IRB #01-158

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group, UConn Health Partners and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service.

Note: News professionals are invited to visit the Office of Communications homepage at http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/ for archived news releases and other information.

back to top